Hello Sir, I retired from a newspaper organization last year in March aged 58. I have not as yet claimed my Provident Fund nor taken any loan from it. I had been waiting for the Supreme Court verdict on higher pension, Should I withdraw it now or wait a little longer. Also will I get any benefit like bonus or added interest by retaining the amount there for some more time like another year or two

Ans: guidance on Withdrawal of Provident Fund After Relocating Abroad
As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand your concern regarding the withdrawal of your Provident Fund (PF) after relocating to the UK. Let's explore the process and steps involved in withdrawing your PF amount.


I appreciate your proactive approach in addressing your financial affairs, which is crucial for securing your future financial well-being.

Understanding the Situation
Employment History:
Contributed to Provident Fund from 1994 to 2007 during employment in India.
Became a British Citizen in 2008 and relocated to the UK.
Current Status:
Have PF number but no other details regarding the account.
Process for PF Withdrawal
Step 1: Contacting the Provident Fund Office
Reach out to the nearest Provident Fund Office in India.
Provide your PF number and personal details to inquire about the status of your account.
Step 2: Verification of Identity and Documentation
Submit identity verification documents, such as passport or Aadhaar card, to authenticate your identity.
Complete any additional documentation required by the Provident Fund Office.
Step 3: Application for Withdrawal
Fill out the necessary withdrawal forms provided by the Provident Fund Office.
Specify the reason for withdrawal as relocation abroad and provide supporting documentation if required.
Step 4: Processing and Transfer of Funds
The Provident Fund Office will process your withdrawal request and transfer the funds to your designated bank account.
The processing time may vary, so it's essential to follow up with the office periodically.
Additional Considerations
Tax Implications:
Consult a tax advisor to understand the tax implications of withdrawing PF funds, both in India and the UK.
Consider any tax treaties between India and the UK that may impact the taxation of your PF withdrawal.
Currency Exchange:
Plan for currency conversion if the funds are transferred to your UK bank account, considering exchange rate fluctuations.
Conclusion and Recommendation
I recommend initiating the process of PF withdrawal by contacting the nearest Provident Fund Office in India. Provide the necessary documentation and follow the prescribed steps to facilitate the withdrawal of your PF amount. Additionally, seek guidance from a tax advisor to understand any tax implications associated with the withdrawal.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: After cessation of employment at 62, the account will be classified as an "inoperative account." While it will continue to earn interest, it will be taxable. It's advisable to consider withdrawing or transferring the amount to a safer investment option before the tax implications kick in.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello;

You should withdraw your EPF corpus immediately and invest elsewhere.

After 3 continuous years of no contribution, except interest, the EPF account becomes inoperative.

If you have opted for deferred pension you may receive EPS pension after completing 60 years of age.

Ans: Hello;

Your EPF account will continue to get interest upto 58 years of age so you may hold it till that time.

Although EPFO has a rule that epf accounts will become inoperative after 36 consecutive months of no contribution except interest but they have a policy decision of honouring interest payment on corpus till member age of 58, despite this rule.

Best wishes;